Starting Actemra

[Darcy2000]

On Wednesday I am starting Actemra and I realize that ideally no alcohol is the right prescription. I do like a couple of glasses of wine with dinner any real issues with that ? Googled it but nothing really negative to say

[PMRpro Ambassador]

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

says

"There’s no particular reason to avoid alcohol while taking tocilizumab. However, the government guidelines say that both men and women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, and that you should spread these through the week rather than having them all in one go."

And arthritisaustralia.com.au/m...

says

"Use with alcohol

You may drink alcohol while taking tocilizumab. However, if you are also taking methotrexate you should be cautious about your alcohol intake. It is not known precisely what level of drinking is safe when on methotrexate, however there is general agreement that one to two standard drinks taken once or twice a week is unlikely to cause a problem.

Drinking more than four standard drinks on one occasion, even if infrequently, is strongly discouraged."

[Rugger]

The booklet I've been given with information about Actemra states that "....alcohol should always be consumed in small to moderate amounts as per government recommended guidelines."

Also "If in doubt, please always check with your rheumatology care team."

Is that a couple of glasses 7/7 and how big are your glasses?! 😉 🍷🍷

[Darcy2000 in reply to Rugger]

Funny ... 🤣

[Rugger in reply to Darcy2000]

I meant to say that you'll have regular liver function tests!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

Used to be said a moderate drinker drank the same as their doctor ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

....and both probably lied about it too!

[jinasc in reply to DorsetLady]

Goning back a long time, our family Doctor, who was also a friend on my Dad for some reason. That Doctor was on the GMC when it was decided about alcohol limits.

No-one could agree, so they decided that they would do the 'Jesuit' way. Give me a child at 7 and I will make a man on of him.

Woman 2x7 = 14units, Men 3x7 = 21 units.

Now whether the above is true or not...............I do not have a clue. it could have been my Dad warning us about alcohol.

Now I do know this is true, when I saw my Rheumy for the first time, he asked, 'How much alcohol? ' I asked 'by the bottle or the glass' and then told him the story. He just shook his head and laughed 😊😊 but did not dispute it.

[Blackcatlover]

I have been on Actemra for two years now and enjoy two glasses of wine a day. No problems so far. Life is short! I would hate to give up my wine.

[Darcy2000 in reply to Blackcatlover]

Yay great advice

[scottygirl73]

I have the odd glass of wine,or a Bacardi not had any problems at all.xx

[Darcy2000 in reply to scottygirl73]

This makes me Happy ... life is too short

[scottygirl73 in reply to Darcy2000]

Sure is we need a wee pick me up.🍷xx